TALKS AT THE LANE

TALKS AT THE LANE is a lively and engaging series of discussions around the themes of design and making, hosted in a relaxed, social setting to foster dialogue both during and after the talk.

Season 2 will focus on material- engaging with designers and makers whose practice is concerned with the use of sustainable materials, their practical application and cultural meaning. 

The programme of discussions, and accompanying exhibitions, will reflect on contemporary material culture, bringing together architects, makers, and designers to support and promote more ethical and sustainable practice.

We are in the process of curating our programme and, with your support, we can be ambitious in the speakers we invite, be more consistent with the corresponding exhibitions and produce high quality digital content which can be shared with a far wider audience. 

where we started

TALKS AT THE LANE began as a conversation within one architectural practice about how an obligatory programme of continued professional development could be elevated into something that inspired and engaged beyond the individual practice, connecting with the community of creative residents based at Custom Lane as well as the wider design community.

Hosted by our partner, Custom Lane,  Season 1 invited a range of speakers that included local emerging practitioners as well as established national and international makers and designers.

The format of TALKS AT THE LANE was refined over Season 1 to promote audience participation. We did this by making our audience feel comfortable and being welcoming and generous hosts.  This included providing high quality snacks and drinks, and arranging the seating in an informal way.  

When possible, Season 1 talks were also aligned with related exhibitions that continued the discussion beyond the evening of the event. 

After a hiatus, a group of Custom Lane residents are working towards launching Season 2 in June 2023, and with your support, our emerging programme of events will be announced soon.

our host

TALKS AT THE LANE  are hosted by our partner Custom Lane- a centre of design and making. 

Custom Lane is an evolving, collaborative experiment in creating an engaging, enriching and enjoyable work environment for designers and makers in Scotland.

It is home to William and Johnson Coffee Co- a small specialty coffee shop and roastery, Edinburgh Tool Library and Workshop, Bard Scotland- a shop and gallery for Scottish craft and design and Barnets and Banter- a unisex haircutter and barber, whilst also offering workspaces, meeting rooms, a multi-use exhibition and event space for hire. 

TALKS AT THE LANE aims to reflect the spirit of collaboration, sharing, innovation and making that already exists at Custom Lane, whilst expanding these conversations to the wider creative community in Edinburgh and beyond.

why are we crowdfunding

Season 1 TALKS AT THE LANE was supported by a number of generous favours!  

We are in the process of curating our programme for Season 2 and, with your support, we can be ambitious in the speakers we invite, be more consistent with the corresponding exhibitions and produce high quality digital content which can be shared with a far wider audience. 

With your help, our emerging programme of events will be announced soon!

how will we spend the money raised

We will spend the money on accommodation and travel for the speakers, purchasing audio equipment, and producing exhibitions to accompany the talks.